spas
Gstaad Palace Spa, Switzerland
96
been immune to the fi nancial changes that have been felt across the global market. However, despite the strong Swiss franc, Switzerland remains a premium holiday destination. “People come here for the unspoilt countryside and the stunning mountain views, not for discounts,” states Scherz, “and they come to the Gstaad Palace for its authenticity and the great quality of service. We offer a slice of good, old fashioned luxury in a beautiful setting.” The fi nancial climate has necessitated some adjustment at the spa though. “Guests are buying fewer products and instead of complicated rituals, they are choosing to invest in classic, high quality and relaxing treatments,” adds Tedino.
Boosting retail
But while 80% of the spa’s revenue is generated through its treatment menu, retail still plays a signifi cant role and it is here that the spa has effected some further changes, including its recent partnership with Clinica Ivo Pitanguy to exclusively offer its range of anti-aging skincare products in Switzerland. Hailed as a pioneer of cosmetic surgery, Professor Ivo Pitanguy founded the Clinica Ivo Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1963 and is an old friend of the Scherz family with a chalet near to the hotel. The Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy skincare range, which blends sustainably sourced natural active ingredients with aromatherapy oils, was originally developed to meet demand from patients who wanted to prolong the benefi ts of the treatments they received at the Pitanguy clinic.
“The Scherz and Pitanguy families have been friends for a long time and have a lot in common,” says Tedino. “They both run family businesses, are attached to Gstaad and have exclusive brands which they are passionate about.” Scherz adds that these synergies
Clockwise from above left: Guests can relax on luxurious sofas and enjoy the Alpine scenery; spa’s sauna and steam bath; the dedicated Pilates studio
SPA STATISTICS
between the two companies make their partnership feel very natural despite them being from opposite sides of the world. In addition to the skincare line, the Palace Spa will offer Clinica Ivo Pitanguy’s Oxygen Facial and Body treatments. Designed for all skin types, the treatments deliver pressurised oxygen directly to the skin’s surface, without needles, to lift, tone and hydrate the skin.
Looking ahead The Gstaad Palace hotel reaches its 100th anniversary this year and as well as celebrating past glories, new launches – such as a series of Alpine bootcamps which aim to give guests a sense of their own achievement to accompany their luxurious relaxation – show it is striving to be fi t for future success. The Palace Spa may have been a late arrival to the spa world but Scherz is determined that it will keep ahead of the curve. “Our guests come from a range of different countries, so you could say our competitors are great spas from all over the world,” he suggests. “On that scale, we are relatively small and simple, but we receive a lot of compliments about the spa and the treatments we offer. We’re very happy with that.”
Palace Spa at the Gstaad Palace +41 (0) 33 748 58 90
www.palace.ch/palace-spa
General manager: Andrea Scherz Director of communications: Stefanie Krisch Hotel and spa interior design: Roland Schön Director of spa: Laura Tedino Spa area: 1,800sqm Spa team: Nine therapists, three spa receptionists Full capacity: 70 guests Treatment facilities: Eight treatment rooms; private spa suite with sauna, steam room, lounge area and pool; separate male and female saunas and steam rooms; relaxation areas; indoor pool; outdoor pool with Jacuzzi (34°C); reception; retail area Special facilities: A seven-room hammam with fl oat room; manicure/pedicure stations; Technogym-equipped gym; Pilates studio Product partners: Sisley, Clinica Ivo Pitanguy, Jardin des Monts, Cinq Mondes Signature treatments: Hammam Experience and Jardin des Monts Energising Massage
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